Birth date: Dec 19, 1930 Death date: Nov 23, 2024
Florence Inkley Fullmer passed away peacefully with family by her side on November 23, 2024, following the effects of a serious fall five days earlier. She died less than one month before her 94th birthday. Born on December 19, 19 Read Obituary
My deepest condolences. I'm so grateful to have grown up across the street from Florence and the Fullmer family! Florence always had such a great "can do" attitude. She made me feel welcome when I'd visit Joey and she was kind to let me tag along on family adventures to the fair, The Homestead, Brighton and elsewhere. I learned a lot from her and Boyd and cherish those memories together. Hang in there and you'll be in our hearts and prayers.
Florence and I have known each other for many years. I met her at a ward youth activity as a deacon. The activity was bingo night with the elderly to try to introduce them to us. We have been friends ever since. Every Sunday I would go up to her and give her a hug and we would update each other on our lives. She was always so interested in what I had to say and what was happening in my life. She came to a couple of the musicals that I was in and was truly a good friend. I’m going to miss seeing and talking to her these coming Sundays. I’m sad that I was not able to visit her in the hospital or that I won’t be able to attend any of her funeral services, because I’m away traveling with my family. My condolences to the Fullmer family. God be with you.
I lucked out in the Mother-in-Law market. This fun-loving, energetic, and kind lady was a friend , a second mother after my own passed away, and a remarkably loving grandmother and great grandmother. She was pleasant and friendly to all, and I already miss her so much it hurts.
I won't say "rest in peace," because I know her too well. There is work to do in heaven, and, as she would say, she's "up and at it." I am sure she was with me when I needed to present in a conference right after I heard the news of her passing. I teared up while others were talking. I believe I heard her say, "Get it together, woman!" I borrowed her incredible strength and got through the whole thing.
I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation. I know she is together with her beloved Boyd and her son, Mark as well as her parents.
I send her all my love.
Florence Inkley Fullmer, Dec. 19, 1930-Nov. 23, 2024
Florence Fullmer has been an important part of our Enhanced Fillness class for more than 8 years. She came a couple of hours early three times a week to move tables and set up chairs and pick up anything that didn't belong to have the room ready. . . When she injured her leg last spring, Florence worried who would do "her job". The class dearly missed her these montha and never dreamed she would have a tragic fall months later that would take her vibrant life. How we all love our dear friend.
About 15 years ago, I was assigned to home teach Boyd and Florence Fullmer. How grateful I am that I and my family have been able to be in their home hundreds of times.
They were always so considerate to my companion son. He was a 12-year old teaching them wise with years and experience! We loved our visits. The ever-affable Boyd would always go over to the family photo and with love and pride point to his children. Florence would say "That's enough Boyd, come sit down."
When serving in a bishopric, we visited them a few times. We laughed so hard when they talked about the "three" of them driving around the country in their undertaker duties. Said Boyd: "me, Florence and the dead person."
My wife and I invited Florence to attend the temple with us several times. It was always the same answer: "Nope I am going with my friends, we go once a month."
Several years ago, I bet her that she would be around for the rededication of the Salt Lake temple. She said that she wouldn't. She won the bet. She may not be their physically, but when I attend the Salt Lake temple after the renovation is complete, in 2026 or whenever, I will pray that she is there in spirit.
It was a very choice experience for me, together with my children, to go into her home every Sunday during the COVID period and serve her by blessing and passing the sacrament to her.
I loved hearing stories of my oldest son driving over to their home after high school to check in on them. Or my younger sons walking home from Oly Jr on a Friday with all of their friends and stopping to say "hi" to Sister Florence. What service may have started as a duty, quickly grew into love.
Florence was born in 1930. The first several years of her life were during the Great Depression. She was frugal. I loved that about her. Tom Brokaw called her generation "The Greatest Generation." Products of the Depression. Products of WWII (Boyd being a veteran). And yet this generation overcame with a smile of their face. Unshakeable integrity.
She was always courteous, kind, and reserved. But once in a while she would open up a bit more than usual. Conversing with her just a month or two ago she was expressing to me her gratitude of Susan. I pried a bit more - "How are you really doing Sister Fullmer?" She said: "I miss Boyd and I'm not sure why I am still around."
Isaiah 61:3 - talks about the Messiah giving "beauty for ashes". The New World Translation says a "crown of beauty for ashes." Our bodies break down. At times our emotional and spiritual health can be broken down, but with Jesus we receive a crown of beauty for ashes. I believe Florence is wearing a proverbial crown.
On Monday, I was informed of her falling accident. I was grateful to be able to give Florence a blessing that evening (like I was able to give Boyd a blessing a few days before he departed). It was a distressing and sorrowful situation.
But we visited her on Tuesday. Though her physical body was in poor shape, the Spirit of God was in that room. It felt holy to me as my wife and I got to touch her hand and forehead as she was sedated. We knew she was passing. We spent some time conversing with Susan. I immediately thought about the recent talk given by Elder Neil Anderson - The Triumph of Hope.
President Russell M. Nelson "We can't fully appreciate joyful reunions later without tearful separations now. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life."
I hope and believe that she is with her eternal companion - Brother Boyd. I believe in the covenants of Christ that have sealed them together with their children. What brightness of hope that brings!
As my family and I left after visiting Florence on Friday, we went out to our car. We had smiles on our faces and tears in our eyes. I was grateful to be able to offer a prayer to Heavenly Father expressing gratitude for putting Florence and Boyd Fullmer in our path.
